Robin Uthappa’s unselfish contribution in Rohit Sharma’s 264

November 13 is often remembered for India batsman Rohit Sharma’s magnanimous 264 against Sri Lanka in the 4th ODI of the series at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata in 2014. Rohit’s freakish 264 is widely recognised as among the best ODI knocks by any batsman but very few can recall the huge role played by his partner Robin Uthappa in the death overs.

Uthappa joined Rohit when India’s score were 276-4 after 40.2 overs. The Indian opener had already gone past 150-run mark and in next 58 balls, Rohit managed to accumulate more than 100 runs and created a world record which was far away from the second best at that time.

Playing against a poor bowling Sri Lankan attack, Uthappa had the perfect chance to score fifty or more which could have helped him in cementing his place in the ODI side for the coming World Cup 2015. But it was Uthappa’s inglorious selfless run-a-ball 16 which was the reason behind Rohit posting a colossal score to his name.

The duo added 128 runs in just 58 balls together, with Uthappa’s contribution of mere 12.5% to the partnership. The percentage number definitely looks very small but it was all for the sake of team and batting partner. Out of 16 runs Uthappa scored, 12 were singles, which ensured Rohit stayed on strike for as much as possible.

Further, Uthappa played only 6 more international matches for India — 4 ODIs and 2 T20Is till July 2015. Uthappa has been one of the big player from Karnataka and from 2017-18 season onwards, he has shifted to Saurashtra in domestic crcket.

source: http://www.sportswallah.com / SportsWallah.com / Home> Cricket> News / by SportsWallah Desk / November 13th, 2017